FC Twente boss reveals key tactic he hopes can lead Dutch side to shock victory against Man Utd in Europa League
Ten Hag admits he does not want to 'hurt' Twente
FC TWENTE manager Joseph Oosting has revealed how he plans to upset Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Oosting and his players travel to England today to face United in the Europa League.
However, they do not plan to roll over for Erik ten Hag‘s side.
Twente want to get the most out of the match by hurting United on the transition by playing at the highest tempo.
Discussing his game plan ahead of the clash, Oosting said: “I always believe in opportunities. If we dare to play, we can also create opportunities. Especially in the transition, we can hurt Manchester.
“That is easier said than done but the will is definitely there.
“We played games against Red Bull [Salzburg] that you learn from.
“Everything goes at the highest tempo, whether it is on the ball or in defence.
“You have to be top in everything and we need everyone to be there. I think we have also made progress in that.
“We have respect for Manchester United, but we also have the full conviction and the will to get the most out of the game.”
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Man Utd boss Ten Hag – who showed ahead of tonight’s game that his touch hasn’t left him – highly regards FC Twente having come through the club’s academy as a player before making 234 appearances for them.
He said: “I would have preferred to play against somebody else. It’s not nice to hurt something you love.
“Of all the teams, Twente is the team I follow the most.
“I watch them as a fan, as a supporter, not as an analyst. It’s a different way of watching their games.
“Twente brought me a lot, I was put through their academy, so for me a great deal of history there.”
The Dutchman went on to admit that he is not a fan of the new Europa League format, adding: “There are too many games, too many competitions, it’s clear.
“The players are overloaded, this is not good for football. Maybe it’s good for commercial.
“As a club alone we can’t change this. It’s about clubs and players and coaches.
“We have to work on this to improve the game and find the right balance. We are professional and revenues have to come, but we have to balance it out.”
Man Utd ratings vs Crystal Palace as Andre Onana saves the day for wasteful Red Devils
MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace as they missed a flurry of first-half chances.
Erik ten Hag shocked fans this afternoon when he left Marcus Rashford out of his starting XI.
And the Red Devils failed to make a breakthrough – dropping two more points.
Here, SunSport’s Jordan Davies delivers his Man Utd player ratings…
ANDRE ONANA – 8/10
Had one save to make just before half time – a comfortable one from Eberechi Eze.
And then, a worldie double save to keep out Eddie Nketiah and Ismaila Sarr, rivalling the one made by Arsenal’s David Raya in mid-week.
NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 7
One of United’s most consistent performers who continues to impress week by week. Strong in the tackle and great positioning to stop Palace counters.
MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 7
Lost an early duel with Jean-Philippe Mateta which put the Frenchman in but it was pulled back for a foul. Blamed his boots and changed them moments later.
Unlucky with a brilliant header from a corner that was somehow kept out by Dean Henderson and made a superb last-ditch tackle to stop Eze in the second half.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 6
Another player who came close to scoring but for the brilliance of Henderson, swivelling and turning in the six-yard box with a stabbed effort.
Lucky not to be sent off for a ridiculous two-footed lunge that narrowly avoided contact with Daichi Kamada.
DIOGO DALOT – 7
Played as a left winger for most of the first half, such was United’s dominance.
Brilliant pick out only for Garnacho to hit the crossbar.
KOBBIE MAINOO – 7
Covered ground well and linked defence with attack. Drifted forward more in the second half without seriously threatening.
An insane Cruyff piece of skill in the second half was worth the admission fee alone.
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 6
Kept things ticking over and picked some nice passes at times but his lack of pace and physicality was evident.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 7
Tenacious in ensuring Palace’s midfield could not get a foothold in the game and grazed the top of the bar with a volley into the ground just before the half hour mark.
Was United’s most creative player on the ball and should have had one goal to his name at least.
AMAD DIALLO – 6
Showed glimpses with some darting runs but never possessing the intent and aggression to force anything meaningful from it.
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7
Had a personal battle with Henderson, one that he ultimately lost.
Early chance to show it was the right call to start ahead of Marcus Rashford squandered – put through by Zirkzee but 1v1 effort palmed away by Henderson.
Smacked the bar in a similar position from Dalot’s through ball and came close to knocking one in from close range.
JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 6
Linked up well with Garnacho, dropping deep and slipping the winger in that should have led to the opener. Headed wide from a Diallo corner just before the break.
Rightly subbed off on the hour mark as his influence waned.
SUBS:
MARCUS RASHFORD (ZIRKZEE, 61) – 6
Did very little to convince Erik Ten Hag to throw him back into the starting XI, but was barely given the service either.
MANUEL UGARTE (ERIKSEN, 76) – 6
United certainly appear calmer and more solid with him at the base of their midfield.
RASMUS HOJLUND (DIALLO, 76) – 6
Still getting minutes back into his legs after returning from injury, but this is one of his more forgettable cameos.